HENRY never does anything like this. He's careful, controlled; he keeps his affairs and desires in check, out of the public eye at all times because that is what is expected of a royal, no matter how far down the pecking order they are.
But he hasn't been able to get the thought of it out of his head since Alex had mentioned it when they'd been teasing each other a few weeks ago. It had been nothing, a casual tease, but there was something in the idea. Perhaps it is foolish and, as Shaan tells him over and over (and over), Henry is just horny, and missing his boyfriend, but Christ. It haunts him in his dreams, it's an itch he cannot seem to scratch, so Henry eventually caves. He says nothing to Alex, of course. If he's going to do this, it's going to be a surprise and hopefully a good one, at that. Luckily his partner has a conference away for two weeks, and he is summoned back to England for Martha and Philip's anniversary. After (some) argument, Philip eventually and begrudgingly invites Alex as well, two days before. Thank God for private planes. And maybe it's that which eventually convinces Henry of the timing.
A bit of petty rebellion, if you will.
The collar itself is simple and subtle. Black, because the stylist had said that would best suit his skin tone (after she'd signed an NDA of course), and Property of Alexander is written on the inside, and debased on the outside. it's cold enough that Henry can get away with wearing a higher neck than usual, which mostly hides it, not because he's ashamed, but because he doesn't want everyone (Philip) speculating on his private life. There's a tiny part of him though that would rather like to see his brother's hair turned grey as his little brother's kinks are revealed to the world.
Hell, it's not as if there are many secrets left.
Henry's full of nervous energy on the actual night, Alex is meant to be arriving any moment, and he's nervous, but an excited kind, as to how Alex will react. Will he like it? Will he even remember their conversation? The door opens and Henry's eyes turn to it - landing on Alex and Nora. The breath leaves the Prince's body, his lips stretching into a grin and he doesn't care that he looks like a lovestruck fool because he is one, and he's also the luckiest sod ever to exist. He's chosen a soft blue knit top and smart trousers - this is, after all, meant to be a somewhat casual affair, though there will be photographers somewhere in the mix, and Philip has stressed that Martha wants it to be a relaxed evening. Don't even think about going near the bloody cake his brother had warned.
If Henry plays his cards right, the last thing he and Alex will be thinking about tonight is cake.
@firstscn: closed starter!
